Report – South Tetcott (Monday 25th May)

Point to Point folk were treated to two days racing in glorious sunshine over the bank holiday weekend. With both Bratton Down and Upcott Cross, hosting fixtures. John Heard, the clerk of the course for Upcott Cross, was rewarded for his hard work of watering with a total of 27 runners across the card. He was also rewarded with training the winner of the opening race of the day, the Totnes and Bridgetown Conditions Race. Madame La Strange was sent of the 4-7 favourite for trainer Will Biddick, who gave young Harry Neale the opportunity to partner his horse. Harry sent his mount forward and cut out the running until, the fourth last; when Earth Furies took over. Pirates Tale came with a challenge up the home straight, but a good jump at the last sealed the deal for Earth Furies. This was a welcome turn around of form, as Earth Furies had fell at the last here two weeks ago and then pulled up at Bratton Down in between. Winning rider, Henry Moore has had his best season so far, with six wins, plus one under rules said; “He missed a couple fences, but on the whole jumped well. He didn’t run well at Bratton but he wasn’t keen on being in behind others horses. I probably went a fraction quick but it was worth it to get him up the front. That was my first ride for John so it was a nice opportunity to get.”

Up next was the Giffords Chartered Accountants Restricted. Both All Rise Malone and Emmas Wish were seeking their third win of the campaign. Whilst Lough Owel was bidding to go one better than his efforts at the previous meeting. The gelding led until the one before the ditch on the final circuit, when Emmas Wish took over. The ditch was no problem for the mare, however she came crashing down at the next, when going well. This opened the race up and left All Rise Malone in the lead. Slide Rule had never travelled but began to make a move rounding the bend. All Rise Malone was still in the lead heading to two out, when Lough Owl made a mistake. Which helped All Rise Malone cross the line two lengths clear for trainer Will Biddick, under Emma Freeman, who also owns the seven-year-old. Speaking after the race, Emma said; “I heard them coming behind me, but I had a quick look and thought I don’t think their going to catch me. When Josh went to the front, I was a bit concerned as he was going well. But then he came down and left me in front. Will did say he might idle in front and he did. As soon as he heard them coming though he picked up again. I work full time in an office job, normally I ride out a couple of lots at Wills in the morning, but lately I’ve barely been in. I’ve only rode him a couple of times since the last run! I’m hoping to ride full time next season.”

Clonagoose claimed his seventh win of the season for trainer Emma Summersby in the Simpkins Edwards Chartered Accountants Conditions Race. There was a brief moment of worry, as Walk Of No Shame challenged up the running, but two good jumps over the final two obstacles, helped land the honours. This put Clonagoose ahead in the title for leading horse, however shortly after, Lavorante went and won at Chaddesley Corbett. Both had won seven races this season but due to Lavorante having more seconds, he was awarded the title. Ed Vaughan has partnered Clonagoose in all of his races this season and after the race said; “He’s been brilliant this season, it’s just a shame he didn’t get the leading horse award. He’s only five, so he’s still one to look forward to. I’m just grateful that I got on him at the start of the season at Wadebridge, which was only by chance.”

The Dunbia Mixed Open saw a match between, although African Lady never challenged Jewell In The Park, who ran out a wide margin winner for trainer Chris Barber and jockey Ed Doggerll. Both of whom have enjoyed a fabulous season. After the race Ed said; “That’s his fifth win this season. He won at Dunsmore at the start of the season and then had a bit of a setback and missed a couple months. He’s now in Open company but he won a nice race at Holnicote the other day and won nicely today. He’s only six so it’s exciting to look forward to see what he can do next season. It’ll be a test for him but it’s exciting to see what level he can get to.”

The Penultimate race of the day was the Fahey’s Concrete LTD Maiden. Rum N Reggae was sent to the front under Ed Doggerll and stayed there until four out, when fading rapidly. Ed Vaughan brought Monderra through to lead and the pair were never challenged. This provided a double on the day for not only Ed but also local trainer Emma Summersby.

Seven went to post for the final race of the day, the F.C Cleaning Systems Maiden Race, run over two and half miles. Montana Golden, went off like a scalded cat and proceeded to run the race as he wished from the front and was never caught. Eighteen lengths was the distance back to the seconded placed Hannibal Bogan, with a further twenty lengths back to Telexpress. This was Ed Doggerll’s 36^th win of the season, which saw him finish third in the men’s title. In reflection, Ed said; “It’s been a good day and a good season. Montana Golden ran like this the other day at Vauterhill over 3 miles and stopped at two and half miles. So we were confident going back in trip. He tells you what’s going and sets the fractions. It’s my first full season back riding after a few years out so it’s been great. I have ridden for some top trainers and ridden some nice horses. I sort of thought that I had unfinished business left in the saddle, so when Chris asked me if I wanted to come back and help his business, I thought about it and decided to come back.”